OFFENSE: QB Paxton Lynch (No. 12, So.)
Offensive coordinator Darrell Dickey’s attack is a varied one, as Memphis’ offense features a host of spread and option concepts. In their 63-0 week one victory over Austin Peay, the Tigers ran the ball at nearly a two-to-one ratio against the pass, with six different players carrying the ball at least five times.
Key to getting the ball to Memphis’ stable of backs and ensuring the offense stays up and running will be redshirt sophomore quarterback Paxton Lynch. Lynch returns for his second year as the starter after a 2,056-yard, 9-touchdown and 10-interception freshman campaign. At 6-foot-7, 230 pounds, Lynch is an absolute load at quarterback, though he doesn’t have the outstanding arm one might expect for a player of his size. Still, he can be effective as the Tigers like to move the big quarterback around, whether it be on a run or pass play.
UCLA defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich came away impressed with the second-year starter’s command of the offense, and praised Lynch’s vision and ability to progress to his second read. If Memphis is to threaten the UCLA defense at all, it will likely come down to how effectively Lynch can execute the Tiger’s offense – particularly the option.
DEFENSE: NT Terry Redden (No. 56, Sr.)
For the second week in a row, UCLA faces an experienced defense, as Memphis will likely start seven seniors opposite redshirt junior quarterback Brett Hundley and company. The Memphis player to watch surely would be redshirt senior defensive end Martin Ifedi, who finished with 11.5 sacks last year – if he were indeed playing. Ifedi’s status for Saturday’s game is still unclear after an ankle injury forced him off the field last week against Austin Peay.
Even if Ifedi is unable to go, UCLA’s offensive line will still have to contend with Terry Redden. The Tigers run a 3-4 defense, meaning the effectiveness of their front seven can be largely dependent on what Redden can do against the opposing offensive line. The senior nose tackle was a big reason why the Tigers finished No. 12 in the nation against the run a year ago, and could create some problems for the interior of a Bruins offensive line which floundered against Virginia.
If Redden can eat up space in the middle of the defense and collapse the pocket, UCLA’s offensive line could be in for another long day.
Compiled by Jordan Lee, Bruin Sports senior staff.